Author: Admir Aljic

Anaheim Ducks vs. Carolina Hurricanes Odds, Pick, Prediction 2/25/23

Posted on by Admir Aljic

We have an 11-game slate in the NHL scheduled for Saturday, February 25, and here you can check out the best Ducks vs. Hurricanes betting pick and odds.

Carolina will be playing the second game of a back-to-back set when they welcome Anaheim at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes are massive -445 moneyline favorites on BookMaker Sportsbook, while the total is set at 6.5 goals. These inter-conference rivals will meet for the second time this year; the Ducks won 4-3 in overtime in Anaheim.

Ducks snapped a losing streak in D.C.

The Anaheim Ducks (18-34-4-3, 26-33 ATS) managed to snap a six-game losing skid with a 4-2 road victory over the Washington Capitals. The Ducks opened a four-game road trip with a pair of defeats to the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, but they did beat the Capitals and now will conclude their road trip with this game against Carolina on Saturday. Even with this victory, Anaheim remained at the bottom of the Western Conference with 43 points.

The Ducks came back from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits to win 4-2 in the nation’s capital. Four different players scored for Anaheim, but Jakob Silfverberg and Derek Grant netted in the final period to help their team to get a W. John Gibson was excellent at the goal as he registered 41 saves. So far this year, Trevor Zegras leads the Ducks in points with 48 (G 19, A 29), while Troy Terry has 43 (G 14, A 29).

John Gibson (11-23-6) is expected to take his place in the cage against Carolina on Saturday. The 29-year-old is conceding 4.01 goals per game this year with a .900 SV% and one shutout.

C Adam Henrique (lower body), G Anthony Stolarz (lower body), RW Troy Terry (upper body), D Urho Vaakanainen (lower body), and D Jamie Drysdale (shoulder) are out indefinitely. D John Klingberg (lower body) is questionable to play on Saturday in Carolina.

Hurricanes beat the Blues at home

The Carolina Hurricanes (38-10-6-2, 25-31 ATS) are in excellent form recently; they won 11 of the previous 12 games and are now on a four-game winning streak. The Hurricanes opened their five-game home stand with three victories over the Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals, and St. Louis Blues, allowing just four and scoring 14 goals in return. Carolina remains 2nd in the Eastern Conference with 84 points, nine behind the Boston Bruins.

Andrei Svechnikov scored a couple of goals and ended the tilt with three points as the Canes defeated the Blues 4-1. Seth Jarvis also had three points, while Sebastian Aho and Brent Burns contributed two points each. Frederik Andersen was rock-solid at the goal with 35 stops. When it comes to points this season, Martin Necas is Carolina’s top producer with 51 points (G 22, A 29), followed by Sebastian Aho with 50 (G 25, A 25) and Andrei Svechnikov with 49 points (G 21, A 28).

Frederik Andersen (14-4-0) is going to return to the goal against the Ducks on Saturday. The 33-year-old is allowing 2.44 goals per contest this season with a .908 SV% and no shutouts.

LW Max Pacioretty (Achilles) and RW Ondrej Kase (concussion) are out indefinitely and will not feature on Saturday against the Ducks.

Trends:

Anaheim:

  • 2-9 in the last 11 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation
  • 9-27 in the last 36 vs. Eastern Conference rivals

Carolina:

  • 7-2 in the last nine Saturday games
  • 39-15 in the last 54 vs. Pacific Division opponents
  • 45-16 in the last 61 home games

Anaheim Ducks vs. Carolina Hurricanes Pick

Even though the Canes will be playing the second game of a back-to-back set after they face Ottawa on Friday, I am pretty sure they will have no problems beating the Ducks on Saturday. Carolina owes Anaheim one for losing in California earlier this season, so I am backing the hosts to get a comfortable victory. The Hurricanes have a top-10 offense that averages 3.38 goals per game opposite the Ducks’ 2.47 gpg, which is the second least efficient offense in the NHL. Also, Anaheim has the weakest defense in the league that allows 4.15 goals per contest, while Carolina has the fourth-best D that surrenders 2.59 gpg.

Pick: Take the Hurricanes at -1.5 Puck Line (-120)

The Total

Carolina scored at least four goals in nine of the last 12 games and considering the Ducks’ porous defense, I am backing the hosts to score 4+ here without trouble. Anaheim did score 3+ in six of the previous eight, so the visitors should contribute enough for the Over bet. Over is 15-5-1 in the Ducks’ last 21 overall; Over is 11-4-1 in Anaheim’s previous 16 road games, while Over is 5-0 in the Hurricanes’ last five vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Pick: Go Over 6.5 goals (-110)

College Football Best Bets for Week 12

Posted on by Admir Aljic

Another Saturday college football is upon us, bringing plenty of interesting picks and markets to choose from. This should’ve been Week 12 of the 2020 season, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, most of the conferences postponed the start of the season. 

Anyway, the upcoming Saturday is full of exciting matchups, although some might be canceled because of outspreading the COVID-19 cases among the teams’ rosters. Here’s my best five betting picks, so let’s take a closer look.  

Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio State Buckeyes (-20.5)

Two undefeated Big Ten teams take on each other, as the No. 9 Indiana Hoosiers visit the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The hosts are huge favorites for this conference showdown, but the Hoosiers hope to keep it close and make this clash interesting to watch. 

The Buckeyes are racking up a whopping 511.3 total yards per game. Their ground game is posting 208.7 yards per contest, but the Hoosiers’ run D is one of the best in the country, allowing just 95.3 yards per game. 

Slowing down Justin Fields and the Buckeyes’ receiving corps would be a problem, but I think the Hoosiers will have enough offensive firepower to cover the spread. Indiana is averaging 33.8 points per game, and the Hoosiers have already upset Penn State 36-35 and Michigan 38-21. 

The Buckeyes have won 20 consecutive games against the Hoosiers since 1995. Still, they are only 2-7 ATS in the last nine encounters with Indiana. 

Week 12 Best Bet: Indiana Hoosiers +20.5

LSU Tigers at Arkansas Razorbacks (+2.0)

The LSU Tigers are only 2-3 after their first five games in 2020 (their matchups with Alabama and Missouri were postponed). The reigning champs lost too many important players last summer, but this 2-3 record is certainly a huge disappointment. 

On the other side, the 3-4 Arkansas Razorbacks are coming off a heavy 63-35 defeat at the Florida Gators. Their defense has been a problem this term, surrendering 31.4 points per game, while the Razorbacks are scoring 26.0 in a return. 

The bookies expect to see a tight clash at Razorback Stadium, and I cannot argue about it, but I think the Tigers will step up and earn the victory. The reigning champs had some time to gel the things. They will take the field for the first time since a 48-11 defeat at Auburn on the last day of October. 

The Tigers are scoring 35.8 points per game, but they are allowing 33.6 in a return, showing a lot of flaws on the defensive end. However, their offense will be too much for the Razorbacks, so I’m betting on LSU to cover a 2-point spread. 

LSU has won four straight encounters with Arkansas, going 2-2 ATS in the process. The Razorbacks are 6-3 ATS in their last nine outings at home, but they mostly covered as favorites or huge underdogs. 

Week 12 Best Bet: LSU Tigers -2.0 (-110) 

FIU Panthers at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (-7.0) 

The Panthers head to L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green on Saturday, searching for their first win in 2020. Florida International has dropped all four games thus far, covering the spread just once in the process. 

They’ve struggled on both sides of the ball, allowing 31.0 points per game while scoring just 22.8 in a return. However, the Panthers have a decent chance to upset the odds here, as the Hilltoppers haven’t impressed either. 

Western Kentucky is 3-6 on the season. The Hilltoppers have won one of their previous two contests, while these two games produced only 33 points in total. They are scoring only 14.7 points per game on 276.2 total yards, ranking among the bottom-six teams in the country in both categories. 

Last year, the Hilltoppers beat the Panthers 20-14 as 8.5-point road dogs, but they are 1-3 ATS in their previous four meetings with Florida International. I expect to see a dramatic battle, backing the visitors to keep it within a touchdown. 

The Hilltoppers are 0-5 ATS in their last five outings at home. 

Week 12 Best Bet: FIU Panthers +7.5 (-120)

Boise State Broncos at Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (-14.0)

The Broncos have owned the Rainbow Warriors lately. Boise State is 7-0 straight up and ATS in its last seven encounters with Hawaii, and I expect this trend to continue Saturday at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. 

The Warriors have won their lone outing at home, barely outlasting New Mexico 39-33 as 14-point favorites. They are 0-3 ATS in the last three games overall and 5-9 ATS in their previous 14 showings as underdogs. 

Furthermore, the Warriors are yielding 29.3 points per game while scoring just 22.5 in a return. On the other side, the Broncos are scoring 40.0 points per game while surrendering 28.8 to their rivals. 

The Broncos are a much better team than the Warriors at the moment. They should have enough firepower to take full advantage of the Warriors’ defensive flaws, so I’m backing the visitors to cover a 14-point spread. 

Week 12 Best Bet: Boise State Broncos -14.0 (-110) 

Kentucky Wildcats at Alabama Crimson Tide (-30)

After a three-week break, the 6-0 Alabama Crimson Tide returns to the field, hosting the 3-4 Kentucky Wildcats. Alabama’s previous contest was postponed, so Nick Saban’s boys enter this weekend well-rested, while the Wildcats are coming off a 38-35 home victory over Vanderbilt this past weekend. 

The Wildcats put an end to a two-game skid. They’ve lost to Missouri 20-10 and Georgia 14-3 in October, showing a lot of flaws in their offensive game. Therefore, I expect the Crimson Tide to shut down the Wildcats and easily grab a victory. 

Last time out, Alabama blanked the Mississippi State Bulldogs 41-0 as 29-point home favorites. The Crimson Tide are 4-1 ATS in their last five outings, scoring 41 or more points each time in the process. With healthy RB Najee Harris and WR DeVonta Smith, the hosts shouldn’t have any problems dropping a 50-burger on Kentucky. 

The Crimson Tide are 3-3 ATS in their last six encounters with the Wildcats. 

Week 12 Best Bet: Alabama Crimson Tide -30

NFL Week 11 Best Betting Picks

Posted on by Admir Aljic

Week 11 of the 2020 NFL season started with a tremendous NFC West showdown between Seattle and Arizona on Thursday Night Football, while Sunday brings more exciting picks and markets to the bettors with 12 games on the schedule.   

Monday Night Football will see another marquee NFC clash, as Tampa Bay welcomes the LA Rams, so I’ve prepared the best NFL betting picks for the next few days along with the latest odds update on BetDSI.  

Philadelphia Eagles at Cleveland Browns (-3.0)

Since 2000, the Philadelphia Eagles have won five straight matchups with the Cleveland Browns. In their previous duel, the Eagles beat the Browns 29-10 on September 11, 2016. However, things have changed lately, and the Browns enter this game with a 6-3 record, while the Eagles are 3-5-1 on the season. 

Therefore, the Browns opened as 3-point favorites in this one, but I’m backing the Eagles to keep it close and cover. Both teams desperately need a win, and I expect to see a hard-fought battle decided by a field goal down the stretch. 

Nick Chubb returned from a knee injury last weekend, and the Browns marked it with a 10-7 home victory over Houston. Cleveland will continue to lean heavily on its ground game. The Browns are posting 159.0 rushing yards per contest (3rd in the NFL), and with Chubb and Kareem Hunt in the backfield, you cannot ask for more.  

Although Philadelphia surrenders 133.0 rushing yards per game (26th), the Eagles should have enough offensive weapons to keep it close. After two straight wins over the Giants 22-21 and Cowboys 23-9, the Eagles suffered a 27-17 defeat at the Giants this past weekend, and Carson Wentz finished the game without a TD pass. 

Philadelphia is still topping the NFC East despite its poor record. The Eagles have been pretty unpredictable thus far, showing awful displays against mediocre teams and battling bravely against the heavyweights. The Browns are probably somewhere in the middle, and they will miss their best defensive player Myles Garrett due to the COVID-19. 

Both Phila and Cleveland are 3-6 ATS this term. The Browns are 0-4 ATS in their last four outings and 2-4 ATS in their previous six games at home, while the Eagles are 3-3 ATS in their last six showings on the road. 

Week 11 Best Bet: Philadelphia Eagles +3.5 (-120) 

Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens (-5.0)

I got burnt on Baltimore in Week 10, as Lamar Jackson and his teammates continued with a disappointing performance in 2020. The Ravens allowed 173 rushing yards in a 23-17 defeat at the New England Patriots, showing once again they are incapable of overcoming a deficit. 

I’m pretty sure the Titans will attack the Ravens on the ground, too. Derrick Henry will torture Baltimore’s run D, while the Ravens will try to do the same thing with the Titans’ defense. 

However, the Titans have some serious problems in their secondary. Their run D allows 120.7 yards per game (17th in the NFL), while the Titans surrender a whopping 277.4 passing yards per contest (28th). 

The Ravens’ passing game has been terrible thus far. They are 31st in the league in passing yards per contest (184.1), so the Titans should improve defensively in this one and keep it within a touchdown. 

Both Tennessee and Baltimore enter Week 11 with a 6-3 record and desperately need a win to stay in the playoff picture. I expect to see a tight battle and would be surprised if someone wins by eight or more points. 

Also, this is the rematch of last season’s AFC divisional round when the Titans upset the Ravens 28-12 as 10-point road underdogs. Tennessee is 6-4 SU and 6-3-1 ATS in its previous ten encounters with Baltimore. 

Week 11 Best Bet: Tennessee Titans +7.0 (-163) 

Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders (+7.0)

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a bye, fresh and ready to get payback against the Las Vegas Raiders and improve to 9-1 on the season. The reigning champs suffered their lone defeat in Week 5 when the Raiders beat them 40-32 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. 

Since then, the Chiefs have won four straight games. They’ve had some problems to outlast Carolina last time out, 33-31, but the Chiefs still look like the best team in football. Patrick Mahomes has tossed for nine touchdowns over the last two outings, and the 25-year-old signal-caller has 25 TD passes and just one interception in 2020. 

On the other side, the Raiders are riding a three-game win streak following a 37-12 victory to the Denver Broncos in Week 10. Their defense has improved, but Las Vegas is still allowing 26.8 points per contest (19th in the NFL). Also, their secondary yields 264.9 passing yards per game (25th), and I expect Mahomes to dominate this clash. 

Last season, the Chiefs dismantled the Raiders twice, 28-10 in Oakland and 40-9 in Kansas City. They are 10-2 SU and 8-4 ATS in the last 12 meetings with the Raiders, though these two AFC West foes meet in Las Vegas for the first time. 

After three straight wins, I expect to see some regression by the Raiders. They have one of the best RBs in the league in Josh Jacobs, but their defensive unit and the offensive line will struggle against the reigning champs. 

Week 11 Best Bet: Kansas City Chiefs -6.5 (-120) 

Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-4.0)

The Rams are 6-3 on the season exclusively thanks to their terrific defense. LA surrenders only 18.7 points per game (2nd in the league) on 96.8 rushing yards (5th) and 199.7 passing yards (3rd). 

You won’t find much better defensive units this season, but the Buccaneers are doing a solid job. Tampa allows 22.6 points (8th) on 76.6 rushing yards (1st) and 223.7 passing yards (9th). 

Hereof, both teams should have problems to put numbers on the scoreboard, but I think Jared Goff will struggle more than Tom Brady, while I also trust the Bucs’ ground game more. Also, the Bucs were humiliated by the Saints in their previous outing at Raymond James Stadium, so I’m looking for a bounce-back performance. 

Last weekend, the Bucs thrashed off Carolina 46-23 as 6-point road favorites. They have so many dangerous weapons on the offensive side of the ball, and I cannot say the same thing about the Rams. LA beat Seattle 23-16 last weekend, but this time, the Rams will face off against a much better defensive team than the hapless Seahawks. 

The Rams are 1-3 straight up following a straight-up win and 0-3 ATS following an ATS victory. Also, the Rams are 1-3 ATS in their last four outings on the road. LA is 5-1 SU and ATS in its last six encounters with Tampa, but the Buccaneers are a completely different team this year.  

Week 11 Best Bet: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -2.5 (-163) 

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings (-7.0)

Kirk Cousins just recorded his first Thursday Night Football victory, as the Minnesota Vikings extended their winning streak to three games. They beat the Chicago Bears 19-13 in Week 10, so the Vikings’ playoff hopes are alive. 

Minnesota will look to stay on the winning path Sunday against Dallas, and the Vikings are 8-3 SU and 10-1 ATS in their last 11 meetings with the Cowboys. Also, the Vikings went 5-1 SU and 6-0 ATS in their previous six home encounters with Dallas. 

Let’s make this clear. I don’t trust Kirk Cousins at all. He’s second in the league in interceptions (11) and rarely plays well under pressure. Also, the Vikings’ defense is poor, allowing 27.4 points per contest (23rd in the NFL). But during their win streak, the Vikings have been yielding only 18.3 points per outing. 

They beat Green Bay 28-22, Detroit 34-20, and Chicago 19-13, and Dalvin Cook scored six touchdowns in that span. The 25-year-old RB has had four games with 130-plus rushing yards in his last six outings, and the Cowboys are allowing a whopping 157.0 rushing yards per game (31st). 

Andy Dalton will return under center for the Cowboys, but he’s played poorly since Dak Prescott’s injury, tossing for a TD and three interceptions. Furthermore, Ezekiel Elliott has been a complete disaster with no scores and three fumbles over his last four games. 

With so many problems on both sides of the ball, the Cowboys could have a long day in Minneapolis, especially if Dalvin Cook put on a strong performance. On the other hand, the Boys are still alive in the playoff chase despite a 2-7 record, so they will have a huge motive to upset the odds. 

Still, the 4-5 Vikings desperately need a win, too.  

Week 11 Best Bet: Minnesota Vikings -4.5 (-163) 

2020 NBA Draft Props

Posted on by Admir Aljic

The 2020 NBA Draft is set for Wednesday night, and the sports bettors around the world are ready to lay the odds. The bookies have listed plenty of intriguing props, so betting on the NBA Draft props seems more interesting than ever.  

I’ve prepared a full list of the available markets along with the latest NBA Draft props odds update according to BetOnline. You might find some value down below, while I bring you a few betting picks, so let’s take a closer look.  

No. 1 Pick in the 2020 NBA Draft 

LaMelo Ball -120

Anthony Edwards +100

James Wiseman +800

Deni Avdija +5000

Obi Toppin +6000

The latest rumors around the league suggest LaMelo Ball as the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, but the truth is nobody knows who’s the Minnesota Timberwolves preferred choice. Also, some say that the T-Wolves would consider trading their top pick overall, and that tells you a lot about the upcoming draft class. 

The bookies are pretty sure that LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards will go first, while the Golden State Warriors should select James Wiseman, who’s arguably the most talented big man here, with the No. 2 pick. 

Although Anthony Edwards looks like he’s ready for the NBA after a solid freshman year at Georgia, I think the Timberwolves will take LaMelo Ball, who decided to play professional basketball in Australia instead of going to college. 

Edwards is a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, while Ball is a 6-foot-7 tall point guard, so I think Anthony would be a better fit for the Timberwolves, who already have D’Angelo Russell at PG. On the other hand, Ball would certainly bring more media attention, so I’m not sure what Minnesota wants. 

Therefore, I’m not laying the odds here, but betting on the Warriors to pick up James Wiseman perfectly makes sense. 

James Wiseman Draft Position O/U 2.5 

The over pays +120 here, and many NBA experts believe James Wiseman will end up in San Francisco. The Warriors need a big body in the paint, and Wiseman is a 7-foot-1 center with a pretty high ceiling. 

Due to a suspension, Wiseman played only three games in his freshman year at Memphis, averaging 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game. There’s a lot of room for improvement on both sides of the ball, but James could become one of the best two-way centers in the league. 

My Pick: Over 

Who Will Be Drafted First – Deni Avdija (-200) or Obi Toppin (+150)  

While Deni Avdija is the hottest prospect coming from Europa, Obi Toppin became the National Player of the Year at Dayton despite being a zero-star recruit. 

Many compare Avdija to Luka Doncic, but the 19-year-old Israeli is not that good when it comes to scoring. Still, Deni has a great basketball IQ, and thanks to his court vision, Avdija is a legitimate playmaker despite his size (6-9, 220 lb). 

On the other side, Toppin exploded in his sophomore season with the Flyers, averaging 20.0 points per game on 63.3% shooting from the field. Obi’s work rate should make him an excellent professional basketball player in years to come, so he could be one of the best picks at the 2020 NBA Draft. 

Both these guys will be selected among the top 10 picks, but I think Avdija will go first. A few teams including the No. 4 Chicago Bulls and No. 5 Cleveland Cavaliers would like to add Deni’s talent to their rosters. 

My Pick: Deni Avdija 

Number of Freshman Drafted in the Top 10 O/U 4.5 

With the odds on the under at -250, the bookies show you how sure they are there will be fewer than five freshmen drafted in the top 10. Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman, Isaac Okoro, and Onyeka Okongwu are all projected as top 10 selections, but it would be a surprise if get another freshman joining this bunch. 

Both Tyrese Maxey and Patrick Williams are good players and rank around the 15th spot, but I think there’s no way they will be selected in the top 10. 

My Pick: Under 

Crazy NBA Draft Props 

Of course, if you want some extra action on a draft night, the bookies have offered some crazy NBA Draft props to make things more interesting. Here’s the list of all markets available on BetOnline: 

Who will No. 1 overall pick hug first? 

Will any 1st round draftee put on the wrong team hat? 

Will pizza be seen in any draftee home? 

Will the No. 1 overall pick cry?

Will LaVar Ball be shown during the draft?  

SIGN UP FOR A 100% DEPOSIT BONUS AT BETONLINE SPORTSBOOK

2021 NBA Championship Futures Odds

Posted on by Admir Aljic

The 2019-20 NBA season has just finished, and while the Lakers are still celebrating their 17th title in franchise history, the bookies have already announced the 2021 NBA championship winner odds.

I know it’s still early for bold predictions, as we still don’t know when the 2020-21 NBA season will start. However, if you have some strange feeling, this could be the right time to lay the odds.

The upcoming offseason will bring trades and changes around the league, for sure, while the 2020 NFL Draft is set for November 18. But it’s interesting to see who’s the runaway favorites at the moment, and some odds might look tempting, especially on the dark horses.

2021 NBA Championship Winner Odds 

According to BetOnline:

LA Lakers +325

LA Clippers +550

Golden State Warriors +700

Milwaukee Bucks +800

Brooklyn Nets +1200

Miami Heat +1200

Boston Celtics +1400

Toronto Raptors +2000

Denver Nuggets +2000

Philadelphia 76ers +2500

Houston Rockets +2500

Dallas Mavericks +2800

Utah Jazz +4000

Portland Trail Blazers +4000

Phoenix Suns +6000

New Orleans Pelicans +6600

OKC Thunder +8000

Chicago Bulls +10000

Memphis Grizzlies +10000

Indiana Pacers +12500

Atlanta Hawks +12500

Washington Wizards +12500

San Antonio Spurs +25000

Orlando Magic +25000

Minnesota Timberwolves +25000

Sacramento Kings +25000

Detroit Pistons +25000

Cleveland Cavaliers +25000

New York Knicks +30000

Charlotte Hornets +50000

Early Projections and NBA Future Picks 

The Lakers are topping the bookies’ list ahead of their city rivals, so you know who’s expected to meet each other in the 2021 Western Conference Finals. The reigning champs will keep LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but they will certainly add one more top-notch player to their roster. 

LeBron is not getting any younger, but he’s still one of the best players in the league. Davis is at his prime, and this duo deserves to be considered as the strongest fave to win the 2021 NBA championship. 

On the other side, the Clippers will have to work hard if they want to dethrone their city foes. After firing Doc Rivers, the Clippers hired his assistant Ty Lue, and I’m not so sure that’s a good choice. Anyway, the Clippers will have to improve a lot after blowing a 3-1 lead to the Nuggets in the second round of the 2020 playoffs. 

The bookies expect to see a great battle in the West, as the third-strongest favorites to win the 2021 NBA title are the Golden State Warriors. And I cannot argue with bookmakers. With healthy Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins, the Warriors look like a terrific team. 

On the other hand, I think the bookies have underestimated the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers. The Nuggets have a young core that can become a real force, and reaching the conference finals this past season will be a huge boost for their confidence. 

The Trail Blazers will be a threat if they pick up the pieces and surround Damian Lillard with some good players. They will certainly look to make some changes in the offseason, as well as the Houston Rockets. James Harden won’t win the championship if he and the Rockets continue to experiment with their small-ball basketball. 

On the east coast, we have six teams that come on the list right behind the top-three contenders. All these clubs have a lot of talent and could make some serious noise in 2021, so if you root for any of these six teams, go and take them early. 

Kevin Durant will return from his devastating injury, so the Brooklyn Nets will be a serious contender in the East. The Boston Celtics should keep their key players and make another push, while the reigning vice-champs Miami Heat are certainly capable of reaching the finals once more. 

The Heat possess a lot of young and talented players that already proved their worth last postseason. I’m pretty sure they will be a top-four seed in the East next year. 

And what about the two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo? Can the Greek Freak and Milwaukee Bucks avoid another playoff choking? Don’t write the Bucks off, as the previous season was weird due to the coronavirus pandemic, and they didn’t play their best basketball in the bubble.  

The 76ers decided to go with Doc Rivers as their new head coach, but they still have to figure out whether to trade one of their two superstars. I don’t trust the Sixers, while the Toronto Raptors look like a mystery. The 2019 NBA champs are a well-balanced team, but they might not be good enough for some of the heavyweights. 

My Pick: Milwaukee Bucks at +800

Best Long Shot: Denver Nuggets at +2000 

I think the Bucks will figure out what they need alongside Antetokounmpo to finally reach the NBA Finals after finishing the regular season with the best record in the league for two years in a row. Also, another disappointing postseason could force Giannis out of Wisconsin, so the Bucks franchise has a lot on the table. 

The Nuggets, on the other side, have a great nucleus. If they stay healthy, I’m sure the Nuggets will have another good year. They become the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the single postseason, and that tells you enough about their character. 

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat – Game 6 Pick, Odds & Prediction – 10/11/20

Posted on by Admir Aljic

Get ready for Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals, as the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat will face off against each other on Sunday, October 11.  

Although the Lakers opened the series with a couple of wins while dominating their rivals on both sides of the ball, the Heat fought bravely over the previous three encounters and pulled off a couple of upsets. 

Miami is still on the verge of elimination, so we’ll see another dramatic clash Sunday in the NBA bubble. The NBA Playoffs betting continues, so we bring you the best betting pick for the Lakers versus Heat showdown along with the most important betting tips and notes. 

The Line

According to BetDSI, the Lakers are 5-point favorites in this one, while their moneyline odds sit at -200. The Heat are listed as +180 moneyline dogs with a total of 214.5 points on BetOnline.  

Injuries/Suspensions

The Lakers are coming in full strength, though Anthony Davis suffered a minor heel injury in Game 5. The Heat are still missing Goran Dragic (foot), and the veteran point guard should remain on the sidelines for the rest of the series. 

What’s at Stake?

The Lakers blew their first chance to win their 17th title in franchise history last Friday, losing 111-108 to the Heat in Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals. 

On the other side, Miami wants to become the second team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the finals. That would bring them their fourth championship and first since 2013 when LeBron James led the Heat. 

The Spot

This time, LeBron is leading the way for the Lakers, but he didn’t take the last shot in Game 5. Instead, he assisted Danny Green who missed the open 3-pointer, and the Heat somehow escaped with the victory. 

I thought the Lakers had the momentum on their side. Now, it seems like we’ll get another nail-biting finish Sunday. This Miami team just refuses to go away. 

The Matchup

The Heat used only seven guys in their rotation last time out, and Jimmy Butler played all but 38 seconds to finish the game with 35 points, 12 boards, and 11 assists. That was his second triple-double in the 2020 NBA Finals after posting 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 dimes in a 115-104 victory in Game 3. 

Furthermore, Butler had five steals, and his presence on the defensive end was essential for Miami, although LeBron James scored 40 points on 15-for-21 shooting from the field. 

Anthony Davis had 28 points and 12 boards, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 16 points, but the Lakers’ second unit shot 5-for-22 from the field for 14 points. On the other side, Kendrick Nunn scored 14 points off the bench on his own. 

The Heat made 42.4% of their 3-pointers which was another important factor, and Duncan Robinson finally found his mojo, finishing the game with 26 points and seven triples. 

If they want to tie the series, the Heat desperately need to continue making treys. The Lakers have more firepower at the low post, dominating the Heat on the glass in this series while scoring a lot of easy baskets in the paint. 

The Bets

I would be surprised if we don’t get another dramatic clash all the way to the end. Therefore, I’m backing the Heat to cover a 7-point spread at -150 odds, although I think the Lakers will finish the job in six games. 

Miami has dropped nine of its last 12 games against the Lakers, but the Heat are 5-1 ATS in their previous six matchups with Los Angeles. With so much on the table for both sides, I expect to see a tight battle down the stretch. The Lakers are an experienced team, but even if they win, it won’t be an easy task. 

Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers – Game 5 Pick, Odds & Prediction – 10/9/20

Posted on by Admir Aljic

After a two-day break, the 2020 NBA Finals betting action goes on with Game 5 between the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. 

The Lakers need one more win to clinch their 17th title in franchise history and tie with the Boston Celtics atop of the list. The Heat, on the other side, are in dire straits, but they won’t go away easily, promising a great battle for the rest of the series. 

I have prepared the most important betting tips and trends for Friday’s clash in the NBA bubble, so let’s take a closer look, as down below will be my best betting pick for Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals, too. 

The Line

The Lakers are 7-point favorites on BetDSI, and their moneyline odds sit at -310. The Heat are +260 dogs to win straight up, while the totals are set at 216.0 points on BetOnline.  

Injuries/Suspensions

Miami will be without Goran Dragic once again, as the 34-year-old guards suffered a foot injury in Game 1 of the 2020 NBA Finals. Bam Adebayo hurt his neck in the opener and missed the next two games, but he returned last Tuesday and should be available for Friday’s contest.

On the other side, the Lakers are coming in full strength. 

What’s at Stake?

The Heat’s season is on the line, and they will try to prolong it for at least one more game. Only one team has ever managed to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Playoffs. 

The Spot

After a 102-96 defeat in Game 4, the Heat cannot afford another loss and will be under huge pressure in Game 5. At least, they had a couple of days to rest and prepare, but the Lakers are undoubtedly a more experienced team than the Heat. 

The Matchup

Miami outlasted LA 115-104 in Game 3 thanks to Jimmy Butler’s triple-double, while the team played excellent defense and executed very well on the offensive end. The Heat shut down Anthony Davis who finished the game with just 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field. 

However, the Heat couldn’t replicate that performance in Game 4. Davis had 22 points on 8-for-16 from the field; LeBron James posted 28 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was an X-factor with 15 points and five dimes including a huge triple down the stretch. 

Both teams shot below 45.0% from the field and committed 15 turnovers each, but the Lakers handed out seven assists more than their opponents (25-18). Los Angeles posted three rebounds more than Miami (42-39), and the Heat can be satisfied with their job on the glass. The Lakers combined for 27 offensive rebounds in Games 2 and 3. 

Bam Adebayo returned to the floor in Game 4 and accounted for 15 points and seven rebounds. Jimmy Butler had 22 points, 10 boards, and nine assists, while Tyler Herro added 21 points. However, the Heat struggled offensively down the stretch and blew a nice opportunity to tie the series. 

The Bets

The previous contest was the tightest one in this series, and I expect to see more of the same in Game 5 on Friday night. The Heat are a hard-working team and will never give up, so they should be able to keep it close once more. 

Still, I’m looking for the Lakers to finish the job. They’ve learned a valuable lesson in Game 3, so I’m backing the Lakers to win and cover a 4.5-point spread at -170 odds. If you fancy Miami’s chances, I suggest you buy a few points as well. 

The Lakers have won seven of their last eight encounters with the Heat, but they are only 1-4 ATS in the previous five matchups with Miami. 

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat – Game 4 Pick, Odds & Prediction – 10/6/20

Posted on by Admir Aljic

The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat continue their battle Tuesday night with Game 4 of the 2020 NBA Finals and things are heating up after Miami beat LA 115-104 in Game 3 this past Sunday. 

Now, the Lakers have a 2-1 lead and Game 4 will be a joy to watch. The NBA betting action goes on, too, so here’s the best betting pick for the Lakers versus Heat showdown along with all the key betting tips and trends.  

The Line

The Lakers are 7.5-point favorites on BetDSI, while their moneyline odds sit at -310. The Heat are +260 moneyline dogs with a total of 218.5 points. 

Injuries/Suspensions

Miami will be without Goran Dragic (foot), while Bam Adebayo (neck) is questionable to play after missing the previous two games. LA doesn’t have any serious injury worries. 

What’s at Stake?

Just 13 teams in NBA history managed to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the playoff series, and only the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers with LeBron James onwards did it in the NBA Finals, so the Heat don’t want to get into a 3-1 hole.

On the other side, LeBron and the Lakers should know that job is not done yet. 

The Spot

The Heat looked helpless in the first two contests of this series. However, they found a way to cope with the Lakers in Game 3 despite missing Dragic and Adebayo, so Sunday’s victory was a massive boost for Miami’s confidence. 

The Lakers, on the other side, should have learned a few lessons and will try to get momentum back on their side in Game 4. 

The Matchup

Anthony Davis was dominating the Heat through the first games of the series. He had 34 points and nine rebounds in the opener, and Davis posted 32 points along 14 boards in Game 2. However, he had a tough night on Sunday, taking just nine shots and finishing the clash with 15 points and five boards. 

LeBron James turned the ball over eight times after committing zero turnovers in Game 2, so the Lakers couldn’t expect to get anything from Sunday’s game. Markieff Morris and Kyle Kuzma combined for nine triples and 38 points off the bench, but that wasn’t enough against the resilient Heat. 

Jimmy Butler led the way for Miami with 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 dimes while shooting 14-for-20 from the field and 12-for-14 from the free-throw line. Five Heat players scored in double figures including Kelly Olynyk who posted 17 points and seven boards off the bench. 

Although they missed Bam Adebayo, the Heat somehow managed to deal with the Lakers on the defensive end. They will need more of the same in order to pull off another upset. 

Miami shot 51.2% from the field in Game 3 while outscoring the Lakers in the paint (52-34). That was another important factor in Miami’s victory, but the Heat continues to struggle on the glass. They allowed a whopping 27 offensive rebounds in the previous two games. 

The Bets

I got burned on Sunday, predicting the Lakers’ third straight win in the finals. The Heat really surprised me with their terrific defense, while they executed offensively like there was no pressure on their shoulders. 

Despite that performance, I expect the Lakers to gel the things and beat the Heat on Tuesday. However, I don’t feel comfortable with a 7.5-point spread. The Heat could easily keep it close, especially if Adebayo returns. 

Still, I think the Lakers are experienced enough to avoid another loss, so I’m buying a couple of points and taking the Lakers as 5.5-point favorites. LA won eight of its last 10 matchups with Miami but covered just five times in the process. 

Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers – Pick, Odds & Prediction Game 2 10/2/20

Posted on by Admir Aljic

The 2020 NBA Finals continue Friday, October 2, with Game 2 between the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. This could turn out to be the key clash of this series, and you don’t want to miss it, so we’ve prepared all need-to-know tips and notes along with the best Heat versus Lakers betting pick.  

The Lakers took the lead Wednesday, easily outlasting the Heat 116-98. Miami struggled with injuries and could be in big trouble Friday night, so let’s take a closer look.   

The Line

The bookies listed the Lakers as firm 9.5-point favorites in Game 2, and LA is a -490 moneyline fave on BetDSI. The Heat are +395 underdogs to win straight up, while the totals are set at 216.5 points on BetOnline.  

Injuries/Suspensions

Miami will miss Goran Dragic (foot), and the 34-year-old guard is doubtful to return to the floor this postseason after suffering his injury in Game 1 against the Lakers. Bam Adebayo (shoulder, neck) couldn’t finish the opener, too, and he’s doubtful to play Friday night. 

The Lakers, on the other side, are coming in full strength. 

What’s at Stake?

The Heat cannot afford another loss, as just four teams in NBA history won the title after trailing 2-0 in the Finals. The 2006 Miami Heat did exactly that, but this Miami team is facing a much tougher rival, and the injury woes could make it really, really tough for Erik Spoelstra’s boys.  

The Spot

The Lakers have a nice chance to put huge pressure on their opponents. They are a very experienced bunch led by LeBron James, while the Heat have three rookies in their rotation.  

The Matchup

The Heat started Game 1 well and built a 23-10 lead. However, that was all we saw from Miami, as the Lakers took over and hit nine treys in the last 16 minutes of the first half to grab a 65-48 lead at halftime. 

The Lakers never looked back and led by as many as 32 points. LeBron James dictated the tempo and finished the game with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists. He turned the ball over just a couple of times, torturing Miami’s defense all the way. 

Anthony Davis marked his NBA Finals debut with 34 points, nine boards, and five dimes, while the Lakers limited their opponents on just 42.7% shooting from the field and 31.4% from beyond the arc. 

As I’ve mentioned, the Heat lean on some rookies, and Duncan Robinson was scoreless in his NBA Finals debut, missing all his three shots. On the other hand, Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro both played well off the bench, combining for 32 points, nine boards, and five assists. 

Still, some older guys with much more playoff experience were terrible Wednesday. Andre Iguodala and Jae Crowder combined a -45 net rating, and they spent 25 minutes on the floor each. 

Bam Adebayo had eight points and four boards before leaving the game in the third quarter. His eventual absence would be a huge blow for Miami in Game 2, as the Lakers posted 18 rebounds more than the Heat in the opener. 

The Bets

The Lakers are undefeated in five straight meetings with the Heat, going 3-2 against the spread in the process. Considering Miami’s injury problems, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Lakers sweep the series. 

However, that doesn’t mean the Heat won’t put on a fight and make Game 2 interesting to watch. This 9.5-point spread is a tricky one, and I don’t feel comfortable with it at all. If you want to tease one of the teams or buy a few points and take the Lakers at -6.5 or the Heat at +12.5, that’s a reasonable choice. 

And if you love to follow the betting trends, the under has hit in five of the last six encounters between the Heat and Lakers including Wednesday’s Game 1. Betting on the under at the 219.5-point line is another interesting move. The Heat have to execute well offensively, but they desperately need to slow down the Lakers. 

Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers – Pick, Odds & Prediction Game 1 – 9/30/20

Posted on by Admir Aljic

The 2020 NBA Finals betting action starts Wednesday, September 30, with the opening game of the Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers series. 

The Heat enter this matchup as huge underdogs, but they don’t care at all after beating some heavyweights in the East. The Lakers, on the other side, are expected to dominate the 2020 NBA Finals, sitting at -188 odds to beat the Heat in six or fewer games. 

Wednesday’s clash will tell us a lot about these two foes and what can we expect from them in the next two weeks, so here’s our bold prediction for Game 1 of the 2020 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. 

The Line

It’s safe to say that bookmakers think they know who will win the championship, setting the Lakers at -350 odds. The Heat are +275 underdogs to win the title, according to BetDSI, and Miami is a 4.5-point dog in Game 1 with the totals at 217.5 points. 

Injuries/Suspensions

There are no serious injury worries, and both Miami and LA are at full strength ahead of the opener. 

What’s at Stake?

Taking the first blood is always important, but it’s never essential. The Lakers dropped Game 1 in each of their first two playoff series in 2020, but they won the next four contests on both occasions to easily eliminate Portland and Houston. 

The Spot

The Lakers outlasted the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals in five games, going 4-1 in each of their three playoff series in the West. However, they had to break a sweat against the dogged Denver Team. 

The Heat swept the Pacers in the first round and stunned the top-seeded Bucks in five games in the Eastern Conference semis. They beat the Celtics in six games in the conference finals, so the Heat upset some odds on their way to the 2020 NBA Finals. 

The Matchup

The Lakers shot 49.8% from the field through the playoffs, dominating their rivals in the paint mostly thanks to Anthony Davis. The Brow is averaging 28.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game this postseason while making 57.1% of his field goals and 36.6% of his 3-pointers. 

LeBron James is having a wonderful postseason, too. He’s tallying 26.7 points, 10.3 boards, and 8.9 assists per contest while shooting 54.7% from the field. 

The Heat have to slow down these two guys. Bam Adebayo struggled to cope with Davis in two regular-season meetings, but he’s improved a lot in the bubble, so we’ll see a great battle at five between two young and super talented players. 

Jimmy Butler will keep his eyeballs on LeBron, but Miami’s team defense will be a key factor, as the Heat will need to double-team Davis a lot. Miami is allowing 107.2 points per game this postseason, while the Lakers are surrendering 106.5 points per contest. 

The Heat are averaging 112.2 points per game on 45.9% shooting from the field and 35.7% from downtown. The Lakers are scoring 113.9 points per game while making 35.5% of their triples. On paper, these two foes match up very well, but we’ll see what will happen on the court. 

The Lakers possess more experience than the Heat who lean on a few rookies among the others. On the other hand, the Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is a two-time NBA champ, and he did it together with LeBron James. The Lakers head coach Frank Vogel enters his first NBA Finals. 

The Bets

Betting on the opening game of the 2020 NBA Finals is a tricky job. There’s no home-court advantage in the bubble, so I think we’ll see a tight battle, especially in the opener. Three of the last five meetings between the Heat and Lakers were decided by seven or fewer points. 

Hereof, picking the Heat to cover a 6.5-point spread seems like the best move. Miami is winless in four straight matchups with the Lakers including a couple of meetings this past regular season. The Heat are 1-6 SU and 3-4 ATS over their previous seven encounters with the Lakers, while the under is 4-1 in the last five H2H duels.